They’re young, in love and hope to marry one day

I love studying history, particularly the Roman Republic, ancient Greece and the First French Empire.
My other interests include jogging, playing chess and watching documentaries.
There’s not a subject I’m not interested in and I love my job.
I’m always available for a chat especially over a wine or coffee.

There's just one thing getting in the way - they can't legally marry in Australia.

A poll by The Observer this week found 64% of the more than 5000 respondents supported making gay marriage legal.

It was the biggest response to a poll by The Observer in its online history.

Ms Patterson, from gladstone, said she and her partner would "get really excited and talk about marriage" if it was made legal.

There's hope this will happen in the near future, as Prime Minister Tony Abbott allows his party room to vote with their consceince on the issue in the spring sitting of Parliamen.

Ms Patterson, 19, said she and her 20-year-old partner would not race into getting married, but they'd love the option.

"We're not ready yet," she said. "My partner and I have spoken about getting married and said that we both wouldn't like to be in a church, not because we have anything against religion but because we probably wouldn't feel welcome and also being non-religious," she said.

She said they would have their wedding on a beach or somewhere in a beautiful natural scene.

Ms Patterson said Australia seemed to always be one step behind the rest of the world regarding same sex marriage laws.

"Traditionally I understand that marriage was a sacred commitment between a man and a woman but who is to say that I'm not able to have this commitment as well," she said.

Some Gladstone residents were against the idea of allowing the unions.

Esmond Weinholz said he believed the bible prohibited gay marriage.

Others like Raylene Caletti said they couldn't see a problem with it.

Diocese of Rockhampton administrator Reverand John Coleman said the Anglican Church officially didn't support it gay marriage

He said even if the unions were made legal the church wouldn't be in a position to offer gay marriage services.

"There are a lot of steps that would need to take place first," he said.

Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome said all Australians should be treated fairly, including having the opportunity to marry the person they love.

"When the law says same-sex couples can't marry it is effectively stigmatising these relationships as second-rate," Mr Croome said.

A national survey of 2000 same-sex couples by the University of Queensland found that almost 60% of same-sex couples would marry straight away if they could.